Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the opposition INDIA bloc, questioning its political unity and ideological coherence and asserting that an alliance formed primarily to oppose the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would struggle to survive in the long run.
Speaking to reporters, Saha alleged that the opposition parties had come together without a common political philosophy or a clearly defined agenda, with their unity driven largely by their opposition to the BJP.
“We do not call it the INDIA alliance; we call it the INDI alliance. They have no common principles. Every party has its own agenda, and they have come together only to oppose the BJP. Such an arrangement cannot last long,” the Chief Minister said.
Saha argued that political alliances required a shared vision and consistent principles to remain effective, adding that merely joining hands against a common opponent was not enough to ensure long-term unity. He questioned whether the opposition parties could maintain their cohesion when their individual political interests and priorities differed.
The Chief Minister also took aim at the opposition’s broader political strategy, alleging that its leaders had failed to present a convincing alternative vision before the people. Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the party’s association with other opposition groups, he questioned the consistency of the opposition’s political positioning.
He further expressed reservations about the functioning of the opposition leadership in Parliament, raising questions about its effectiveness and ability to provide constructive political direction.
Turning to the forthcoming urban local body elections in Tripura, Saha dismissed the possibility that the opposition’s electoral understanding would pose a major challenge to the BJP.
He expressed confidence that the ruling party would secure a comfortable victory, asserting that voters would judge political parties on their performance and credibility rather than temporary electoral arrangements.
“Let them continue with their political activities. There is no reason for us to be concerned,” Saha said, reiterating his confidence in the BJP’s electoral prospects.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid political preparations for the upcoming civic polls, with the contest expected to test the organisational strength of the ruling BJP and the opposition parties’ ability to coordinate their electoral strategies.
